James Corden returns to host the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala

Internationally acclaimed writer, actor, presenter and producer James Corden OBE will return to host the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala, bringing his award-winning entertainment credentials to London following his appearance as host of the inaugural event in Switzerland last year.

The Emmy, BAFTA and Tony Award-winning star will take to the stage alongside renowned sports broadcaster Nicki Shields at The Peninsula London on Friday 20 November, leading an exceptional gathering of sporting icons, global business leaders and influential figures united by a shared commitment to creating opportunities for children through sport.

One of Britain’s most recognisable entertainment personalities, Corden has enjoyed an illustrious career spanning television, theatre and film. He became a household name internationally as the host of The Late Late Show with James Corden, where his celebrated Carpool Karaoke series attracted global audiences and featured some of the world’s biggest music stars.

His extensive hosting credentials include the Grammy Awards, Tony Awards and the popular British sports entertainment programme A League of Their Own. He is also widely celebrated as the co-creator, writer and star of the award-winning BBC comedy Gavin & Stacey, while his acclaimed Broadway performance in One Man, Two Guvnors earned him a Tony Award for Best Actor.

With a career built on bringing people together through entertainment, storytelling and humour, Corden’s appointment adds another dimension to an evening that will celebrate sporting excellence while raising vital funds to help children around the world access sport and physical activity.

Corden and Shields will guide guests through a programme of inspiring sporting stories, world-class entertainment and exclusive fundraising experiences, with proceeds supporting the Pho3nix Foundation’s mission to improve the health and wellbeing of children through sport.

The Gala will welcome an extraordinary line-up of sporting legends, including six-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen, four-time Tour de France winner Chris Froome, Olympic champions Sir Mo Farah, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, Greg Rutherford, Dame Laura Kenny, Adam Peaty OBE, Alistair Brownlee OBE, Jonny Brownlee MBE and Georgia Taylor-Brown MBE, alongside Rugby World Cup winner Lawrence Dallaglio OBE and former England cricket captain Sir Alastair Cook. Together, they represent an exceptional breadth of sporting achievement, bringing some of the world’s most celebrated athletes to London for an evening dedicated to creating opportunities for the next generation through sport.

Following the inaugural Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala in Switzerland in 2025, this year’s London edition will build on the event’s ambition to connect the worlds of sport, business and entertainment in support of meaningful social impact.

At the heart of the evening is the Pho3nix Foundation’s belief that every child deserves the opportunity to experience the benefits of sport, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through its global programmes and initiatives, the Foundation works to remove barriers to participation, nurture emerging talent and inspire children to lead active, healthy lives.

With Corden and Shields at the helm, the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala promises a memorable celebration of sporting achievement, generosity and the collective power to create lasting change.

The 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala will take place at The Peninsula London on Friday 20 November 2026.

Attend the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala

Table packages for the 2026 Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala are now available. Guests can register their interest via the Gala enquiry form and receive updates from the Pho3nix Concierge team as further details are announced.

For Gala enquiries, table packages, expressions of interest or information about contributing to the auction, please visit the Pho3nix Sport with Purpose Charity Gala website.